Do you want to enjoy lower energy bills while you enjoy comfortable living in your home? You might be surprised at how much money you can save on your electric bill with the right strategies.
This handy guide will help you understand the different ways that you can reduce your energy costs for a more economical and comfortable lifestyle.
Read on!
1. Use LED Light Bulbs
LEDs require only 25-80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and last 10-25 times longer than traditional bulbs. They also have much better light quality and come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.
When purchasing LED light bulbs, they typically cost more upfront. However, they quickly pay for themselves due to their energy efficiency. They do not generate heat like traditional bulbs, which reduces strain on your air conditioning system.
Additionally, installing LED bulbs in areas such as exterior entryway and porch lights can yield additional cost savings as they switch on and off quickly and require low maintenance. By replacing your traditional bulbs with LED bulbs, you can save up to 90 percent on your energy bills.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the most efficient ways to reduce energy costs in your home. The key to reducing energy costs is to set the temperature to a specific value when you leave the home and make sure that the temperature is lowered by at least 8 degrees when you are asleep or not at home.
In addition, the thermostat should be set back at approximately 10 to 15 degrees for a period of 8 hours when you are away. The thermostat can also be set to automatically turn the furnace, fan, and central air conditioning off when the home is empty and maintain the temperature in each room, saving energy.
3. Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks are gaps between the indoors and outdoors. Sealing these leaks will keep your home’s heated and cooled air inside, resulting in lower bills. Common locations of air leaks are near windows, vents, and door frames – but they can be anywhere.
To inspect for and repair air leaks, use caulk, expandable foam, and weatherstripping to seal gaps. Sealing air leaks will not only save energy and money but can also improve home comfort and reduce indoor air pollution from outdoors.
4. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Solar Panels
Installing energy-efficient windows is one of the best ways to reduce energy costs in your home. Not only do energy-efficient windows keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but they also help block out UV rays that raise energy costs.
Energy-efficient windows use multi-layered film technology to provide insulation to your home, helping reduce heating and cooling costs. Additionally, energy-efficient windows come with Low E coatings, which further help reduce the amount of energy used in your home.
Installing solar panels for your home is a great way to reduce energy costs. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, but it can also significantly reduce your monthly energy bills over its lifetime. Solar panels capture the energy of the sun, converting sunlight into clean, renewable electricity.
5. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
One of the best ways to reduce energy costs in your home is to use energy-efficient appliances. These appliances come in a variety of sizes and features and can replace traditional appliances in the home.
Installing an energy-efficient refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and washing machine can have a big impact on your home energy bill. Newer energy-efficient models often come with added features such as temperature controls and sensors that can help reduce energy usage even further.
6. Lower Your Water Heater Temperature
Tank-style water heaters typically keep water at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. By lowering the temperature to 120 degrees, your water heater will require less energy to maintain the temperature and you can save up to 10 percent in energy costs.
Be sure to also consider adding insulation to the heater tank and the hot and cold pipes. This can reduce standby heat losses, resulting in even more energy and money savings.
7. Use Power Strips
Power strips can be used to completely turn off appliances when not in use and thereby reduce the electricity flows. Power strips can be found at almost any electronics or health store, or even online. They are inexpensive and easy to install, so there’s no excuse not to take advantage of them.
By plugging major appliances like the TV, sound system, computer, and printer into a power strip, no energy is wasted when those are turned off. Even when things are turned off, they still draw a current if they are plugged in.
8. Plant Trees
Trees planted on the south and west sides of the home can act as a windbreak and shade the house in the hot summer months, reducing the need for air conditioning. In the winter, when the sun is low in the sky, trees on the south side can allow the sun’s rays to penetrate through the branches, adding natural warmth to the house and further reducing energy costs.
Trees also help to reduce noise levels from traffic and other sources. Properly placed trees can effectively reduce energy costs and bring other benefits to your home such as increased curb appeal, improved air quality, and wildlife habitat.
Start Reducing Energy Costs Today
Reducing energy costs in your home is possible with a few simple changes. Analyze your energy consumption, purchase energy-efficient appliances, use alternate energy sources like solar, and use window treatments to reduce heat loss.
Start implementing these tactics today and take control of your energy costs.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blogs!